07.034
Pancharatra and Core: Yudhishthira entrusts the burden of penetrating the discus military formation of Drona to Abhimanyu, as others are not capable.
Sanjaya said:
The sons of Pritha, led by Bhimasena, advanced upon the invincible army protected by Bharadvaja.
Satyaki, Chekitana, Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, Kuntibhoja, and the valiant Drupada are all great chariot-warriors.
The son of Arjuna, a warrior by duty, along with the great and powerful king of the Chedis, Dhrishtaketu, and the sons of Madri, including Ghatotkacha, were present.
Yudhāmanyu, the valiant Śikhaṇḍī, the unconquered Uttamaujas, and the invincible Virāṭa are all great chariot-warriors.
The sons of Draupadi, along with the valiant Shishupala, the great Kekayas, and the numerous Srinjayas, were all excited and ready for battle.
These warriors, along with others in groups, armed and arrogant in battle, suddenly charged towards Bharadvaja, eager for combat.
Bharadvaja, the mighty warrior, calmly restrained all the assembled forces with a great shower of arrows.
The great waves of water, upon reaching the unbreakable mountain, could not overcome Drona, just as reservoirs do not overcome the shore.
O king, the Pandavas could not withstand the arrows released from Drona's bow and were unable to face Bharadvaja's son.
We witnessed the incredible strength of Drona's arms, which the Panchalas and the Srinjayas together could not surpass.
Upon seeing the enraged Droṇa approaching, Yudhiṣṭhira contemplated various strategies to counteract him.
Yudhishthira, considering Droṇa to be invincible by anyone else, entrusted the formidable task to Abhimanyu.
Vasudeva, unparalleled and of immeasurable energy, spoke these words to Abhimanyu, the slayer of enemy heroes, and son of Arjuna.
Having come, Arjuna may not blame us, father, so act accordingly. We do not know how to breach the Chakravyuha in any way.
You, Arjuna, Kṛṣṇa, or Pradyumna could break the military formation, O mighty-armed one; there is no fifth person who can do so.
Abhimanyu, you should grant the boon that is being asked by the fathers, maternal uncles, and all the armies.
Arjuna, our father, would indeed blame us if we retreat from the battle. Therefore, quickly take up the weapon and penetrate Drona's army.
Abhimanyu said:
Desiring victory for the ancestors, I enter and pierce the firm and unperturbed best of Drona's army in battle.
I have been instructed by my father in the skill of breaking the army formation; however, I am unable to leave in any distress.
Yudhishthira spoke:
O best warrior, pierce the enemy's army and create a path for us. We will follow you, dear father, wherever you go.
Dear father, like Dhananjaya in battle, we shall follow you in combat, protecting you from all sides.
Bhima said:
I will follow you, along with Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki. The Panchalas, Kekayas, Matsyas, and all the Prabhadrakas will also accompany us.
Once you break the formation, we will repeatedly destroy the heroes, striking them again and again.
Abhimanyu said:
I will enter Drona's formidable army, like an enraged moth rushing into a blazing fire.
I will undertake the initial action that will benefit both lineages, fostering affection from both my uncle and my father.
Today, the beings will indeed see the enemy armies being tormented in groups by the child alone in battle.
Yudhishthira said:
As you speak, O son of Subhadra, may your strength grow. You are daring to break through Drona's army, which is known to be very hard to penetrate.
The place was protected by men as fierce as tigers, skilled archers, and attackers, resembling the Sādhyas, Rudras, Maruts, Vasus, Agni, and Ādityas in their prowess.
Sanjaya said:
Upon hearing those words, he instructed the charioteer to swiftly drive Sumitra's horses into the formation of Drona's army during the battle.
